Our connection speed in Hawaii tends to be slow, so at first sight I thought it was a tiny Jedi that was using the force to make the Google Doodle disappear. But it got even better than that when things started moving, and I recognized the figure as an iconic Graham dancer in action. I then turned giddy, refreshed the page a few dozen times, and wondered if my dance friends were on-line to share the excitement… And not only should dancers be excited, but artists, art lovers and creative folks in general as well.  This kind of public appreciation for the arts on such a massive scale is a pretty big deal. Imagine all the people who will go to Google, well, to look up the millions of random things we Google everyday, and walk away (or type away) with the curious notion that maybe they want to know more about Martha Graham. Wikipedia anyone?

Which immediately brought to mind this great poster-ad, loved by art-educators, dancers and history faculty alike..

I love Martha Graham’s work, and have ever since I first heard of her in my beginning dance class at Bennington College. If I hadn’t been a 23 year-old transfer student at the time (oldest kid in the class, and yes, a late bloomer artistically!),  I seriously might have become a dancer instead of a photographer.  Watching films of Graham leading classes on the same lawn that my friends and I crossed everyday was, for lack of better words, amazing.

So today, to celebrate Graham’s beautiful work and life, I thought I’d share some new-ish images that were presented at Illinois State’s Gallery 2 in November. Last fall, the ISU Dance Department undertook learning and performing Graham’s “Diversion of Angels” for the Fall concert series.

After watching auditions, photographing rehearsals and trying to help the video crew (I’m about as good of a videographer as I am a dancer), I was in awe of the specific gestures in Graham’s choreography, which were so subtle yet strong at the same time. These 11 portraits, made in collaboration with the ISU dancers in studio, capture the exactness and intimacy of the powerful gestural moments in Graham’s work.

Yesterday marked the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, an event that was celebrated around the world. Here in Hilo, the first ever Join Me On the Bridge gathering was a success! Much Aloha was sent out, as women and men from all over the island came together to celebrate and voice their hopes for a better future. Special thanks to Bobbie and Susan for their great company and conversation, and to the many people who came out and joined us!

www.womenforwomen.org

Mark and Jamie were engaged last week on the beautiful beaches of Kona, here on the Big Island of Hawai’i.  It seemed more than fitting when Jamie called to ask if I could meet them in Honolulu for engagement pictures- My first shoot in Hawai’i would be for an amazing couple from Central Illinois! Love it!

We had a great time scouting for locations in Waikiki and finally decided to hike up the Diamond Head Crater- one mile straight uphill for the best view in town! Needless to say, we all slept well on our flights home

Congratulations to such a wonderful, fun and loving couple, I wish you many years of happiness and Aloha… And of course, more visits to Hawai’i!

When I left Vermont you were given to me, broken parts and all, and they wished us both good luck.  I left your bar code “Property of Bennington College” for posterity, and in case we ever got lost, a crumb trail home.

I fixed you twice when no one saw the point. I loaned you to students and warned them to treat you well. They always listened, and gave you back. Then, sadly, I too moved on. But I kept you in your blue fake silk case all the same. I knew you would live on.